ANDY MURRAY was flying the flag solo for Britain today as the country crashed to its worst ever start at Wimbledon.

For the first time in 124 contests at the All England Club, the host nation is left with just one player to support in the second round.

But Murray guaranteed his status as Britain’s last hope as he cruised past first round opponent Jan Hajek in straight sets.

The victory – as fans blistered in 27C temperatures – means the world number four is almost certain of playing before the Queen on Centre Court tomorrow.

With little protection from the sun, fans at SW19 sweltered as Murray dispatched his Czech opponent 7-5 6-1 6-2 in just over an hour and a half.

Speaking afterwards, the 23-year-old British No 1 said he was looking forward to playing in front of the Queen.

After being cheered to victory by on-off girlfriend Kim Sears and mother Judy, Murray said: “I thought it was good. The start was tough, I hadn’t seen him play much but I started to play better once I got the break back and the second and third sets were much better.”

Anne Keothavong, Jamie Baker and Heather Watson all slumped to defeat to ensure it was not just the weather that made fans hot under the collar.

But Murray came to Britain’s rescue, with Tim Henman saying there was “no doubt” the Scot was a real contender.

“It was an ideal performance on his first round,” the former British favourite said.

Crowds swelled on Murray Mound with hundreds bathing in the sunshine to watch their hero in action on the big screen.

Keothavong surrendered a 4-0 lead in the final set against Anastasia Rodionova before stumbling out.

The British number three said afterwards: “It just didn’t happen for me today. No one is to blame apart from myself.”

Baker suffered a first-round defeat by Andreas Beck 7-6 6-3 6-4.

Murray said it was “not a great start” after learning he was the only remaining Brit.

He added: “It’s not great, is it? Obviously, I’d like to see more British players in the tournament and more British wins. It’s not ideal.”

Everyone at the LTA – the sport’s governing body – will be “disappointed”, he added.

Speaking at a press conference afterwards, he also said he was a “bit nervous” about meeting the Queen.

“I do not know what I will say exactly. I will probably be a little bit nervous, understandably.”

Murray added that he would watch England’s crucial World Cup match today if he finishes training in time.

He added: “I was told that they banned the England match from the grounds here. So if I’m home in time, I’ll watch it.”